Skiing...Family Style

We asked the kids if they would rather go skiing as a family for a few days, rather than get a big Christmas present. They were unanimous, and us parents were quite pleased with their decision.

(Poppy wanted a knife full of cream cheese with her breakfast...Oscar was showing his disgust)
We opted for Silver Mountain in Kellogg, ID with a handy little resort at the bottom of the Gondola that takes you to the top of the mountain. The condo was delightful with the added benefit of an indoor water-park. It was pretty sweet!
Especially because we had Auntie Rosa to accompany us...(aka our nanny) It was really nice having her to take care of Hazel while Rick and I spent some time on the slopes with Oscar and Poppy. It was also a bonus that she could keep an eye on the Popster when she earned a good break on her first day. We all enjoyed her company! Thanks Rosie for coming with us!
Oscar took to the skis like a pro. Although, I inadvertently took him on a lift that may or may not have been a good idea. Needless to say, he and I made it down...it may have involved some tears, prayers and a good deal of coaxing that his mother did indeed KNOW where we were on the map. Yes Oscar, one day when you read this you will laugh.
Hazel hung out with Rosie in the lodge...she liked being bundled up in her suit.
Poppy was very happy about her hot chocolate on the gondola.
Here is Rick Oscar and Poppy on the magic carpet.
Does this look like the face of a girl who is having fun?
I love this picture...click on it so you can see the humor in it. Oscar was taking his lunch break( yes, Cheetos were the lunch of choice)Hazel liked the gondola too...it took about 30 minutes to go up or down. It was pretty relaxing though.

Rosie hanging out on the gondola...
Poppy's little spill and Oscar's snowplow...
Daddy and Miss P stayed together most of the time.
Oscar and me moments before loosing my favorite sunglasses off the lift. Ok maybe nit but it was sometime before I lost them...
I think they enjoyed the gift and will remember it much longer than a gift that could come in a package.

Adjusting...well

All of us are adjusting to the presence of our new little Hazel...so far it seems to be an easy thing to do. Daddy has resumed his favorite napping position...

Oscar and Poppy can't seem to get enough of her...they love to come snuggle her in the morning. I can't blame them...I too can't help but squeeze in one extra snuggle before I put her down.

Smiley is curious...he likes to take a little sniff when he get the chance.

And Poppy...she is a Pro-big sister already. She loves to help me with all of the diaper changing...her job is to pull out the wipe. She also wouldn't think of passing up baby bath time. In fact the other day Rick had to convince her to go with him to the science center because she wanted to stay home with me and the baby. I think she is afraid she will miss something while she is gone.

As for me...I'm sure it has to do with this being #3 and having done this a couple of times, but recovery has been pretty smooth so far. I have had zero meltdowns (not to say there won't be any), my milk supply hasn't come on with such force as previously, I actually feel pretty good. the pain meds help a bit with the discomfort issues, but overall I would say that it is going well.
I have loved having Ricky home with us, it has been so peaceful (short of Poppy and Oscar squalls) and pleasant. He is so great at being a star hubby and dad that I have been able to sit back and really relax. In fact I haven't felt a itch to get out or even blog...I am just content. It feels great to have my little family home and around me. I know it can't last forever, Dad will have to go back to work and the kids will have to do their activities and I will have to resume my outside responsibilities...but for now, I'm content. And it feels great!

Hazel Daphne

Born Tuesday March 3, 2009 @ 9:21pm
8.15 lbs 21"long
(Picture courtesy of Pullman Regional Hospital)

Proud Daddy, Big Brother and Sister
All is well and we are home.A very relieved and happy momma!

Cliff notes: ( I may post a more detailed version later)
Tuesday morning see my Dr. she strips my membranes and tells me that I should fry up some scrambled eggs in a few tablespoons of Caster oil to see if it will promote labor.
Scheduled an Induction for Saturday because I was seriously SICK of being prego.
Poppy and I buy some caster oil...walk to get Oscar from school, research a little on caster oil and decide I'll give it a go.

6pm we have Dinner. I scramble up my eggs and quite truthfully they weren't too bad.
I don't know if it was the caster oil, because it never gave me the poo's and truthfully I never really felt anything in response to the caster oil...unless it actually threw me into labor???

8:31 One 15 min Contraction followed by continuous contractions...no breaks.

8:50 tell Rick it is time to go-he calls our sitters/ we leave...

Hospital arrival 9pm

Room 9:10pm

Delivery 9:21pm
Hazel was born "in the caul", meaning that the amniotic sac did not break and my Doc broke the sack after her head was delivered. He informed me that this indeed is lucky. I suppose it is only flitting for our March baby. Lucky baby, lucky month.
Doc delivers baby in his sweatshirt (he did get gloves on) luckily he lives 3 minutes from the hospital.
I was still in my shirt and jacket post delivery.
Doc changes into some scrubs to stitch me up and we joke about that it took him 4 minutes to get to the hospital because he couldn't find his car keys. He had just gotten out of the bath tub and had crawled into bed when he got the call.
Due to Poppy's Delivery being 1hr 45min...he knew he had to get there quick. My actual Dr. was called first but because she was 20 minutes away they called him.

Rick got to spend the night with me at the hospital, because some of our great Friend Helen and Justin stayed with the kids.
Rick went home at 6am and the kids never even knew we left.
Everything went really well and we were able to go home last night.
Today life is good... I can move, breathe, and to be quite honest I think Hazel is much more snuggly on the outside.
We are all smitten by her good mellow nature and both of the kids adore her.
Tonight, I am basking in the blessings I have. So many well wishes and close friends that care for us. I truly feel an overwhelming sense of love...and I know it isn't just the hormones!

For the record (despite all of my whining and complaining)...It was worth the nine-plus months of work.

Due Day!

(Oscar is my in-house photographer)

I almost can't believe I'm posting this, but for the sake of our posterity (and curious blog friends and family) here is a picture of today...Due day.
It shouldn't really be a surprise since the other two were late, but I couldn't help but hope that this one would come early. I mean so many other people have their babies a week or two early. I would have even taken a day early. Alas, not so.
I have tried the wives tales...including cleaning ALL day yesterday and all it did was give me some big contractions with no follow through.

I keep telling myself that this is just like a marathon. Training has pretty much finished, tapering always feels slow and you just want to get to race day so you can get it over with. All of your hard work is in place and you just want to pound out the miles.
I'm currently feeling like I'm about mile 21 of the race. I'm tired, my muscles are feeling each step, you dare not walk for fear of not getting started again, you keep telling yourself that there are only five miles left to go. Five miles is nothing compared to how far you have come...You can feel the finish line close, and yet it is so far away. You know you will make the finish, that there is no doubt, but you keep thinking it hast to be just around that corner...only to find one more.

I'm anxious to just get it over with! I want to gorge on Oreos and orange slices at the finish line, while my legs tingle and twitch from the effort. I want that shiny little medal that says "you made it"! Not to mention a warm snuggly little medal that I'm ceratin will be much more delightful on the outside, that on the in.

Typically when I run a marathon I get a black toenail and blisters...so I suppose that it is only fitting that my feet go though some form of metemorphasis during this last bit too. But I don't recall ordering marshmallows for feet. I swear church always makes them the puffiest. This my friends I will not miss!!! Behold the Hooter-Hider

Lastly, I have just completed my first ever "Hooter-Hider", at least that is what the lady at the fabric store informed me it should be called. It is a nifty little nursing blanket that has an opening at the top that the baby can see you, and you it, without a peep show. So cool! And really easy to make. I think I'm going to start making these as gifts for other expectant mothers.

Pineapple?

Last night at dinner we were finishing off with some tasty fresh pineapple (My Dr. Informed me that it was supposed to promote labor...no luck) when the following was discussed.
Rick: "Look guys what is this?" (he shows them the tiny little seed stuck to his pineapple)
Oscar: "A pineapple seed"
Poppy: "Are you going to grow a pineapple in your belly?"
Mom: "Hey, maybe that is what's growing in my belly...Should we have a pineapple instead of a baby?
Poppy: "No way Mom!"
Oscar: "Yeah! I think that would be better"
Poppy:"Am I going to grow a pineapple in my belly?"

Hummm...what would you choose?

This is why...

A Mother such as I will endure the pains of pregnancy and child birth! Chicken RaisingBecoming the neighborhood eggs-pert (sorry it couldn't be helped), egg sales entrepreneur...
Becoming a eggs-pert chicken catcher...All on her own.

Coyote Hunting

Valentine Candy Picnic...Gorging
What? Only one at a time??
Little kisses and snuggles from the princess in her new Valentine's Dress from Grandma Edge.
Who asked the other day "Will you never hold me again?" after explaining that I can no longer carry her around this belly of mine!
A boy who still loves to play with his very pregnant mom...just today while he was on top of the jungle gym he asks "Mom will you play with us up here?" I respond that very soon I will be able to again!Posing in their Sunday best...at their Mom's request and complying.

Creating Rick and I Muddy heart Valentines a week in advance so that they would have enough time to dry...all on their own with no knowledge of either parent! I think I may need to shadow box their creations. Possibly the best Valentine I've ever received!

This my friends, is what makes this whole process worth it! I'm certain there will probrably be nothing else in this life that will be more worth the effort, than the joy my kids bring me!
Now to place this on constant brain replay to get through this next week or two...I can't wait to meet our new little Edgie.

Ready...

Last night as I lay in bed experiencing the lovely pains of contractions (almost to the point of convincing me of going into the hospital), the stupid things decide it was just a joke, and that they will hold off for another session, at a later date. This is nothing new, I experienced similar events with the Popster. Just when I think that this must be it, they seem to fade and I'm left with two hours of sleep time and a body that feels like it has been doing core work all night long.
The pro of the false labor work is that it tends to dilate me VERY slowly over a long period of time, so that when the time actually comes it goes pretty quick (at least with poppy). I do find some comfort in knowing that at least I've dilated some and that it is that much less I have to go before this child will enter this world.
The con is that I'm always confused during the process as to exactly what point do I decide to go in. With Poppy my water broke so I had a sure sign. This time however, I wonder if I should go before my water breaks? If I'm timing my contractions and they are very close (like in false labor) how far do I let them go before I have waited too long? Will they just fade as I arrive at the hospital? I wish Vicky were here like last time so I have a close reference to get inspiration.
Now because I have very little control over this, I have made a few big steps today.
I am now officially off as the spinning instructor. Last nights workout was enough to keep me sore today and unsure of when this baby will actually come. I decided it was time to cave in. Time to throw in the towel and let this baby know that I'm seriously ready for it to arrive!
I've cleaned what I want to clean (short of possibly mopping the kitchen floor one last time), I've washed and prepped the baby stuff, the car seat is ready to go...people are lined up to take over parental duties short term....
In fact I have now delegated out all of my normal responsibilities and as of today have no real obligations to speak of...nothing to worry about, aside from the welfare of my kidos.
Therefore i thought that if i declared it loud enough and to a wide enough audience, maybe this little edge baby will get the picture and grace us with it's presence!
Here's hoping...but if I'm still pregnant two weeks from now, don't be surprised. That's just how my body does this. i suppose I come by it honestly, my mom has told me that I had her convinced three times that I was coming...even had her mom come from Canada who had to turn around and leave before I actually came. My mother also gave me the week late baby syndrome too...I guess what goes around comes around. Only this time, I hope that maybe just maybe it will arrive a little early or even on the due date!

Oh, and I promise not to lament any further on this labor and delivery process...I swear that I will be patient and content as best I can.

Project update

Baby dresser, complete with baby belongings...Check!

Wall to basement...Check!

Window from Betina, only a year after she gave it to me...Check!

Dumpster bookshelf, that surprisingly holds a ton of books...Check!

Although the majority of these are completely non-baby related, they seem to be important tasks that when once finished, bring a sense of peace to my pregnant nesting brain.
I think it is the gratification that comes with being able to manage a task from start to finish, on my own choosing. Unlike choosing when this baby is going to get here. It goes with my impatient side...Busy tasks that fill the space between now and when the baby arrives.
I am seriously trying to fill up my days so that I can focus on other things besides pregnancy. I just recently noticed that so much of what I am doing and thinking revolves around pregnancy. I'm a little burned out on it. I'm ready to resume my "normal" everyday stuff. I want to be able to focus more on whats around me, rather than on the self-pitying tendencies I have been experiencing as of late.
Therefore, because my other two children were a week late, I'm sure there will be more "projects" that I will undertake to take my mind off the impending "due" date.

Speaking of which...I just had a great morning making bread with a bunch of lady friends that i will post about later. In the meantime my next task is...Dinner!

37 weeks

This is what happens when you self time a photo of yourself and play with some editing features!

Here I am 37 weeks and feeling a bit like an overstuffed turkey. I haven't really posted much lately due to the fact that pregnancy occupies the majority of my thoughts and if I shared even a fraction of those with you, you would be sick of me.
I have been thinking about some things I will share...

1. Each of my pregnancies have been so different. Different phases of our life (1-school/working/no children, 2- school/moving/buying a house/Rick taking his first pseudo-real job/one prior child, 3- semi-settled/ Rick having a real job, that he likes/ two kids (one in school)/ a more settled community around us), each phase has had different atmospheres, different support groups, different lifestyle habits etc.
It seems like each one has been a completely different experience (including deliveries). It will be interesting to see how the remainder of this pregnancy plays out.
The point is, that although I have done this before, it seems like I have to re-learn all the tricks and changes all over again.

2. Pregnancy seems to me to be one of the longest challenges in patience that can exist for an extended period of time...I'm talking even raising kids doesn't require as much patience for a straight nine months. I like patience in smaller doses. I like being able to hurdle the task in one bound, rather than having to continually change my focus and concentration in order to endure the prolonged changes.

3. Exercises helps! No big surprise there, but being more stable this go around, I have had a lot more pre-set routines that have helped me to keep exercising even though it has become a bit uncomfortable. I'm grateful for the physical outlets I have to keep me busy. It may not feel very good at the time, but almost each time I feel better at the end of the day.
I'm also very appreciative for students who endure seeing me stretched out on a bike for the duration of a spin class (I'm sure it isn't the prettiest sight). They are most encouraging and always supportive.
This is my coping tool to not become too impatient...that said, I still have dreams that I am running and not pregnant. I also must confess that I find myself longing for the day when I will be able to resume my normal physical abilities.

4. As you can see, I'm quite the complainer... but deep down there are some other things I am really enjoying. As I pulled out the newborn clothing I was once again reminded at just how small and amazing new babies are. I look at these teeny, tiny onesies and my heart can't wait to meet our new little Edgie. I look forward to snuggling this little soul on the outside.
Not to mention that I am a bit curious as to which gender of child we will be adding to our family.

5. I'm still not certain how we will be dividing up the room situation. I'm glad the baby will be in our room for a bit so we can make better preparations post-delivery. I'm torn between Oscar who is the hard sleeper, with a room that has taken on the smelly little boy essence. I can see him sleeping right through a hungry baby scream, but this pack-rat stashing habits have me wanting to avoid his room whenever possible.
Poppy on the other hand is a light sleeper, and will most likely want to play in her room during the time period which would probably be baby nap time.
We have the extra room downstairs but it is a bit awkward (I have to go through there to get to the laundry room). We are thinking of re-structuring the basement but it may take a bit of work...so I guess we shall see what happens.

6. Each time I am pregnant I can't possibly imagine going through this process again...I truly gain a much greater respect for those women who have had many children. I know there are some people who love being pregnant, but I find it hard to believe. Therefore, kudos to all of you amazing women out there!

7. Chocolate...I seem to have developed an even greater affinity for the yummy stuff! I seriously have lost all self control in the chocolate category. I can no longer maintain my 1 small handful of chocolate chips a day. To say that we have been going through bags of chocolate chips at exponential speed would be putting it lightly. The funny thing is that it is the basic dark chocolate that I want. Nothing fancy, just good'ol dark delicious chocolate chips.
Oh, and last week I was bombarded with the intense urge for oreos...no need to fear i somehow mustered up the strength to avoid buying any at the store. But I was delighted to find that at two of the events I attended last Saturday, had a plate of oreos. I actually was even able to limit myself to just one from each plate. I was quite proud of myself.

8. Lastly, because I could go on and on...I am having to become a fish in order to ward of the curse of puffy leg syndrome (aka edema). I thought I drank a lot of water before, but even though I was consciously trying to drink lots of water, I have found that the amount is somewhere in the 2 1/2 liter amounts that seems to keep the edema at bay.
The problem with pushing fluids is that there is only so much space left for the fluid to go. How can my body need so much??? It's like it is storing up for a departure into the Mojave desert. All I can say, is that I hope it isn't gearing up for a long labor session.
Oh, and the last thing I will say is that I seem to be dreaming about what ever it is I was last thinking about the night before. It goes over and over though my brain with little to no resolve. This too, will be another thing I look forward to...normal dream cycles, that is, if I get any sleep at all.

If you actually read all of this...I am impressed! Next I hope to do a post about the birth of Oscar and Poppy (don't worry, no gory details)...we shall see.

Weekly post...

Oscar's 2nd spelling test. Last week he barely missed his two bonus words on the real test but had them on the practice. This week he nailed them. the bonus words this week were king and Rockhopper (as in the penguin). I love how his teacher put WOW all over his paper. He was so proud of his test and I suppose I was a bit proud too.

Poppy had her first dance class ever. It is a Mommy and Me dance class and it was so fun doing it together. She even got to put on some tap shoes and tappity tapped around.
The nice teacher is a good friend and lent us a pair until we get her a pair of her own. She has been tapping around the house and loving them (Oscar has been putting them on too...).

Here's her doing the crab.

I'm now at 34 weeks and it appears that I now look VERY pregnant. As though I didn't notice it. Today at church I believe I heard the words..."Wow you have really popped out", "how soon are you due", and "you look ready", over and over again.
Not that I mind really, I mean at some point this baby needs to be big enough to come out. And besides if everyone else is thinking that my due date is close, then maybe they know something I don't.
During the Mommy and me class I was just happy that I could still reach the floor with my fingertips to do the giraffe with Poppy. At this point it is the little things that bring a smile to my face.

Poppy took this, lovely picture of me the other day. Lovely I know. But there you go. You can see a little of the progression in the letty pregnancy.
You may note however that the black eye has disappeared. The nose is still sore but the superficial shiner has left the building.
I saw my Doc this week and she informed me I did in fact pass the Glucose test! She also said I probably did break my nose, as evidenced by the bump, but that really there is nothing to be done about it.
I'm now down to the two week visits and I am really trying to occupy my mind so as not to get to impatient with this final month. I'm trying to embrace these final moment of our little one kicking in my innards. Trying to bask in my lovely round figure, and hoping that my self discipline (in regard to junk food) returns soon, so I don't become a whale before this baby comes out. Otherwise we may be delivering a baby Shamu.
Part of my distracting process has been getting things ready for the baby...or not. I find that I am completing tons of projects lately, but also picking up a few more along the way.
I found a new (to us) dresser and headboard for our bedroom while I was trying to find a dresser for the new baby. I then decided that I would refinish one of the old (dilapidated) dressers that was in our bedroom for the new little one. Yesterday I did the stripping and later this week I hope to have it completed.
While I was driving to look at the newish dresser, I noticed a hutch/bookcase/cupboard by a dumpster. I stopped to check it out and thought it would make a great book shelf. I waited a whole day before I waddled my prego self back to the dumpster(it was sitting beside it) and hoisted it into the back of my mini-mini van. After loading it, I noticed there was a couple standing there watching me in quite intently as I left with it in my car.
The book shelf too, is going to get a new coat of paint and will take the place of our shelf that has become too small. It is a really solid piece and I'm excited to see how it is going to turn out.
Along with this I am hoping to get my lovely window from Betina painted and hung in my living room. There are also some picture frames I'd also like to paint, and if I really get nesty I may just paint the wall going to the basement.
I would suggest you not hold me to any of these commitments, because really who knows...tomorrow all of my steam may be gone and I will once again be left with a bunch of projects that sit around until my next (if there is ever one) pregnancy.
More pictures are sure to follow, albeit who knows how soon...I seem to get lazy when it comes to blogging lately.
Things are well and life is good.
Oh, and did I mention that Rick is one of the Seminary teachers for our wards? Busy guy, who really is amazing! This is a topic I plan to cover more in depth in the near future...although, I'm sure he will hate the post when I actually get around to it.